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In 2023, Gebr. Heinemann set out on its journey to become a role model for a truly diverse and inclusive company.
With over 8,000 employees from more than 50 cultural backgrounds, Gebr. Heinemann is diverse by nature. However, a person's background is only one of the many facets of diversity. And the company wants to cultivate and promote these facets in all their forms through global diversity and inclusion management. A team of colleagues from Sustainability and People & Culture therefore developed a holistic strategy last year, initially focusing on employees and internal processes within Gebr. Heinemann.
“We have always been a people's business, welcoming employees, travelers, and partners from all over the world. As our people are at the heart of our organization and one of the reasons for its success, we need to make sure we foster an environment that provides us with the opportunity to grow, thrive, and be respected and valued as the individuals we are,” says Ché Lewer, Vice President People & Culture.
“Our vision is to be the most human-centric company in global travel retail. As a logical consequence, we have to offer our employees not only the best working conditions, but also the strongest diversity and inclusion framework among our peers,” says Saskia Möller, Director Legal, Compliance & Sustainability.
“Our Company Has Your Back”
The first step was to create a common understanding of what a diverse work environment should look like and how Gebr. Heinemann can actively support different groups. In six international workshops, employees from all regions and divisions shared their experiences of inclusion and equal opportunities in their daily work environment — based on their backgrounds and cultures.
The results showed that diversity is visible and that Gebr. Heinemann can build on what is already in place. Colleagues perceive their workplace as a safe space where they can develop themselves and their potential. They feel valued and have a sense of family.
“Depending on the culture and geopolitical environment, diversity and inclusion naturally have different dimensions and manifestations. Our goal is to create a framework in this field of tension in which we operate, so that diversity can be lived out in a way that suits people and their cultures,” says Saskia Möller. “All our colleagues around the globe should be sure of one thing: no matter who you are, no matter how you are, our company has your back.”
All our colleagues around the globe should be sure of one thing: no matter who you are, no matter how you are, our company has your back.
Clear Goals Set by 2025
Based on the workshops, Gebr. Heinemann developed strategic goals and action plans in seven core areas: work-life balance, collaboration, leadership, employee development and recognition, new talents, workspace, and communication. These core areas include both local and group-wide measures. A global diversity and inclusion steering committee oversees and drives the various projects to keep everything on track. Key milestones include a group-wide whistleblower system against discrimination in 2024 and regular diversity and inclusion training for all employees worldwide by 2025. In the same year, Gebr. Heinemann will introduce a group-wide family care solution. The company's aim is to demonstrate the success of its diversity and inclusion management through ISO certification.
As a strong commitment for the diversity and inclusion strategy and as a starting point for the global roll-out, Gebr. Heinemann also signed the German Diversity Charter in 2023. In addition, the first locations have launched their own diversity initiatives, such as Pride Week in Sydney, and made commitments, such as joining the Diversity Pact in Denmark.
Implementing the goals of diversity management means first and foremost actively living diversity and inclusion on a daily basis. Ché Lewer says: “As different as we are in terms of our backgrounds, personalities, thoughts, and skills, we are united by our guiding principles and in our corporate vision. In this sense, our diversity and inclusion journey supports and celebrates all team members from around the globe.”
As different as we are in terms of our backgrounds, personalities, thoughts, and skills, we are united by our guiding principles and in our corporate vision.